May 31, 2024

Giving Back recognizes businesses and organizations that are helping our communities. Here’s a look at who gave back for May.

Sioux Valley Energy

Sioux Valley Energy, along with its cooperative partners Basin Electric Power Cooperative, East River Electric Power Cooperative and CoBank, donated $35,000 to the Brandon Valley Ice and Inline Hockey Association toward construction of its indoor rink being built in Brandon’s Aspen Park.

American Bank & Trust

American Bank & Trust has awarded $1,000 scholarships to 24 of the “brightest and best” students from schools across its footprint of South Dakota, North Dakota and southwest Minnesota.

First Interstate Bank

East River Foster Parent Network has received a $25,000 donation from First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation as part of the Believe in Local program. The funds will go toward providing reliable foster care support to families in the Sioux Falls area. Each year, Believe in Local awards $25,000 to 40 nonprofits across the bank’s 14-state footprint, each of which is nominated by an employee.

Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce has awarded Sioux Empire Livestock Show Exhibitor Scholarships to five students pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarships are given to students who are enrolled in a two- or four-year program for the next academic year, with plans to study in an agriculture-related field. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must have participated in the chamber’s Sioux Empire Livestock Show as an exhibitor of either cattle, market lamb, market goat or market hogs.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee is providing 2,000 free omega-3 index screenings during June at select Hy-Vee stores throughout its eight-state region as a part of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Registration is required for the screening and can be completed online. The screenings, which are administered with a finger stick, are available while supplies last and are provided in partnership with GOED, Nordic Naturals and the Alzheimer’s Association. All locations in Sioux Falls are participating.

Ironclad Construction

Ironclad Construction, a roofing and exterior remodeling contractor based in Beresford and serving southeastern South Dakota, northwest Iowa and northeast Nebraska, raised $3,500 for Warriors Never Give Up as part of its Roofing for a Cause campaign. The company donated a portion of every roof sold during March and April. The funds will help provide outdoor adventures for previously deployed or service-connected disabled veterans.

Levo Credit Union/Sioux Falls Storm

Levo Credit Union and the Sioux Falls Storm teamed up this year to help Operation Hope and Caring, which raises funds for Sioux Falls schools that have a large percentage of kids who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Principals can use the money for areas of need such as winter gear, socks, underwear and field trip fees. This year’s effort raised $20,000.

Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln

Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln provided the funding for a $2,000 scholarship and a two-year lease on a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport for O’Gorman High School’s effort to improve student attendance. At the end of each month, juniors and seniors who had perfect attendance had their name placed into a drawing for the chance to win the prizes.